Maine’s Gingrich trading in her bat for field hockey stick

Former University of Maine softball star Courtney Gingrich will return to the school and play field hockey this fall, coach Josette Babineau announced Thursday.

The Lititz, Pa. native, who played goalie for Warwick High School, recently wrapped up a solid four-year softball career.

The first baseman hit .234 this past season with five homers and 22 RBIs.

She led her high school field hockey team to a pair of Section and League championships, along with the Pennsylvania District III title as a freshman.

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“We are excited to have Courtney join the field hockey program,” said Babineau in a press release. “She will work hard this summer and in preseason to regain her field hockey skills and I feel she has the potential to do so. She will also bring a lot of team experience and her leadership skills will also be beneficial to our program.”

Maine will return Brittany Fleck, who was the Black Bears’ only goalie after Lizzie Anderson left the program during the season. Fleck was a freshman this past season.

Gingrich will back up Fleck but could see playing time depending upon on how quickly she progresses, said Babineau.

Husson heading to nationals

Husson University’s men’s golf team will depart Sunday for the NCAA Division III national tournament, which will be held May 13-16 at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Luce, Fla.

Husson qualified for the tourney by winning the NAC championship this fall, with a two-day stroke total of 631. The Eagles won 10 consecutive tourneys in the fall before finishing second at the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association tournament.

Husson is making its third straight NCAA appearance. It finished 29th out of 35 teams last season.

Bangor’s Porter honored

University of Maine-Farmington outfielder Erin Porter was named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District I third team.

The Bangor native achieved a 3.93 grade point average while majoring in elementary education. Nominees must be starters or key reserves on their teams and must obtain a 3.30 GPA.

Porter batted .327 for the Beavers this spring with four doubles and nine RBIs. She was also a three-year starter on UMF’s women’s basketball team.